Our work Advocacy Mentoring Participation Policy & research All services are open to children and young people cared for away from home e.g. residential care, foster care, kinship care and those leaving care
Mentoring in VOYPIC We provide young people in care aged 12-18 with the opportunity to build a supportive 1-1 relationship with a volunteer mentor. Young people work towards goals in relation to their education, personal development and social development Volunteer mentors complete OCN level 3 training prior to starting their relationship with a young person The volunteer and young person meet weekly for 2 3 hours Relationship last for 1 year
Who are our mentors? Mentors are volunteers from all walks of life who have a desire and motivation to bring out the best in young people VOYPIC mentors must be aged 18 years old and above Anyone interested in becoming a mentor must firstly go Anyone interested in becoming a mentor must firstly go through a training and assessment process to ensure that they are trained and prepared appropriately for their role as a mentor
Who are the young people? Young people aged 12-18 years old Young people who are looked after Young people who are social isolated Young people who are at risk of or have been suspended or expelled from school Young people who could benefit from having a mentor
Our mentoring process Completion of application form Two references Access Ni checks Informal Interview Taster sessions Completion of OCN NI Level 3 Mentoring Care Experienced Young People Completion of a portfolio and Case Study Preparation to Mentor Meeting Match Meeting with young person Weekly meetings with young person for 2/3 hrs for 1 year. Goal setting meeting with young person Monthly group supervision meetings 6 month review meeting Preparation for closure Closure Meeting Graduation Celebration
Benefits for the Mentor Job satisfaction Meet new people, new opportunities Be seen as a positive role model Supporting a young person in time of need Career development Accredited training A better understanding of the issues that affect young people in care. Gain news skills and develop existing ones Have fun
Benefits for the young person Improved self esteem and confidence Develops motivation Support to set and reach personal, social & education goals Increased involvement in education and training Encourages personal reflection Someone who will listen and give their support Enhances and develops existing skills Learn new skills Reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation Opportunities to try new things and meet new people Meet young people with similar experiences Recognition of their achievements Time out to have fun!!
What having a mentor has meant to me: I have become much more independent this time last year I would never have got the bus by myself. Someone who takes the time just to listen to me and be there for me has made a big difference in my life. I feel more confident I have made so many more friends. I don t think of her as my mentor, I think of her as my friend.
Challenges for the mentor / young person Not meeting regularly Poor motivation Child Protection concerns Reluctance to set goals or lack of support in setting goals Changes in their situation, mood or attitude Lack of respect Poor communication from key individuals Not enough money to do the things they want to do every week Young person and mentor don t click
Challenges for the organisation Lack of commitment from volunteer or young person Cancelling meetings or meetings not taking place weekly Not young person centred Poor communication from key people in young persons life Mentor is not accessible, not attending supervision or not checking in regularly Not following policies and procedures Overstepping boundaries Difficulties managing their budget Poor record keeping Child Protection concerns
How to overcome these challenges Taster session for volunteers Initial meeting with young person Robust recruitment & selection process Accredited OCN training for mentors Child Protection Training Young person & mentor involved in the matching process Clear boundaries, policies and procedures Investors in Volunteers Award Regularly supervision and check ins with young person Good communication with key individuals
Key elements for a successful mentoring programme Good recruitment & selection process Training for mentors Clear boundaries, policies and procedures Regularly support and supervision Regular communication The mentoring relationship lasts for 1year Planned closures Recognition & Celebration of achievements!!!